Moscow threatens to sue Minsk for oil transit tariffs increase

Belarus’ increase of tariffs is incredible, the Russian Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) claimed. The case may be brought to court, head of the energy complex of the Russian FAS Dmitry Makhonin told ria.ru.

Belarus only sent a letter informing about its intention to change the cost, Makhonin said. Moscow learnt that the tariffs had changed from mass media. This is a violation of all the agreements, the Russian official said.

The information about the increase of tariffs for the transit of Russian oil appeared on October 1. Belarus increased the tariffs by 1.5 times. The new tariffs will come into force on October 11.

"The increase by 1.5 times is incredible because the transit sphere has not changed,” Makhonin expressed his indignation.

The Russian company Transneft has complained to the Russian FAS. Belarus has increased the tariffs ahead of time, the company believes.